Travel Spots

Women standing over open charcoal grills in the Huatulco heat, pressing tlayudas by hand all night long. Los Parados is a local institution and the food makes it obvious why. Get the tlayuda. Get the Oaxacan cheese queso. Go late and let the room do the rest.

Huatulco defaults to seafood. El Sabor de Oaxaca defaults to mole. Deep, rich, and built with the kind of patience that most beach town kitchens don't bother with. This is interior Oaxacan cooking a few hours from the Pacific, and it shows up. Order the mole. Leave the rest as a secondary consideration.

The zócalo in La Crucecita has no shortage of options. This one earns its spot with chapulines guacamole that actually delivers, a bar that keeps the energy moving, and live music that makes the whole thing feel like a party you stumbled into. The tacos are fine. The best bite of the night happens outside at the elote cart. Go in knowing that and you'll leave happy.

Cà Phê Cổ is a design-forward Vietnamese bistro in Prague's Vinohrady neighborhood, blending street food tradition with modern luxury. A Heavy Hitter review.

Saigon Bistro serves authentic bún bò huế and Vietnamese street food in Liberec, a regional outpost of the Czech-Vietnamese diaspora. A Solid review.

Nordbean DOK is a Nordic-style roastery in a converted Liberec train station, with a family bakery and coffee that travels beautifully. A Heavy Hitter review.

Organza Cafe and Bar in Liberec transitions from daytime coffee spot to lively gastropub, with solid coffee and a striking industrial interior. A Solid review.

Take5 is a family-run neighborhood coffee shop in Brno's Židenice district, serving standout espresso and the country's best kolaches. A Heavy Hitter review.

Monogram Espresso Bar in Brno is a Heavy Hitter coffee stop from Czech Barista Champion Adam Neubauer, no Wi-Fi, no shortcuts, just precision coffee.